A brief history of PYFA

Rev. Dr. Itty Abraham

In 1980, a few humble Malayalee ministers and brothers of the Gospel, who had migrated from Kerala State, India and had a shared vision, began planning combined youth meetings of all Malayalee churches in the Tri-State area.  Their vision was to expand the spiritual growth of the young generation within this new environment and culture.  Their tireless efforts resulted in the first formal meeting on September 19, 1980 which paved the way for the formation of PYFA in 1981. Though it was a humble beginning, PYFA has grown since its inception and is now an integral part of the Malayalee Pentecostal Churches. PYFA has thousands of youths within its 40 participating churches.   

The objective of the PYFA is to promote unity and spiritual motivation among Malayalee Pentecostal youths. As a result of this effort, we have raised a number of great ministers, who are ministering in various churches. PYFA has developed many youths to be leaders within their own churches by giving them opportunities in leadership positions and by trying to cultivate a humble minded heart of servitude. Also, it is worth mentioning that PYFA has undertaken many mission trips to various countries and holds various programs each year, such as Inaugural meeting, Fasting and Prayer meetings, Youth Convention, Youth Retreat, Praise and Worship meetings, seminars about various spiritual and social issues, PYFA Conference, Sports Day, Talent Competitions and Anniversary meeting. 

I have had the privilege and opportunity of being an integral part of PYFA since its foundation. As a participating minister of PYFA, my vision is to see many of our young people, who have a wealth of talent(s) and the call of God on their lives, step forward and continue the ministry that we, the first generation in this country, have started. Also, I dream that one day God will raise preachers, pastors, leaders and corporate executives from PYFA in this land of opportunity.  When I think about the growth of PYFA, I can’t forget the late founding ministers, who labored for the spiritual enrichment of our youth. I salute them. 

Our churches have been blessed with talented and educated youth who have the grace of God upon them. Though there is a gap between the first and the second generation in many aspect of our lives, we share a common goal - the expansion and propagation of the Gospel. 

Finally, I would like to say, that PYFA is not an organization, it is a phenomena.

There are three types of people in this world. There are those who write history, there are those who read history and there are who make history. Let us make history in the coming years through PYFA. Together we can make a difference in this world.